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Provision for God's Vision
Ezra 1:5-6 'Then the family heads of Judah and Benjamin, and the priests and Levites-- everyone whose heart God had moved-- prepared to go up and build the house of the LORD in Jerusalem. All their neighbors assisted them with articles of silver and gold, with goods and livestock, and with valuable gifts, in addition to all the freewill offerings.' (NIV)
 After long years of exile under foreign rule, the people of Israel were moved by God to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple there. Their journey, their resettlement and their rebuilding of the city were all initiated by the Lord. There must have been times in the months and years that followed when the people wondered why they'd ever made the effort. Why, they must have asked, have we exposed ourselves to the opposition we've faced and the struggles we've gone through? At those times, they could look back and recall that God had started the process. They were not just acting on a whim, or following the rallying cry of a human leader. God himself had called them out. He had started the job – so he would finish it, no matter how tough it got along the way. As they left exile, Ezra records that they were 'encouraged' by the gifts of the people around them (New King James Version). The giving of others motivated their courage and helped them to move forward. You know, whenever you step out in obedience to a call from God, whenever you line your life up with some project he has started, you can expect that he will provide for you. You will sometimes be totally surprised by the way provision comes. God will always make sure you are encouraged by provision for the vision!
Prayer: 'Father God, I pray for your provision to match the vision you've given me and the plans you have for me. I want to be – I need to be – encouraged along the way by the giving of others and your visible blessing in practical ways.'
© 2003-2004 Mal Fletcher
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